A pub manager has recalled "an absolutely frightening experience" when he watched a fire rip through his Wadebridge inn during the early hours of Friday morning (October 27).

Chef and tenant of the Halfway House Inn near Wadebridge, Henk Ferreira, said he left after a shift last night (October 26) thinking that the premises was secure and had no idea that a tumble dryer that was not running could cause a fire.

Speaking to Mark Slater, Tolvaddon fire station manager, on the scene, he revealed that linens containing fats can cause fires if not emptied from tumble dyers when cooling down.

Mr Ferreira said: "I had no idea that could happen. I was working last night and the fire happened once everyone left.

"I was made aware when the fire engines were already here. It was an absolutely frightening experience.

"We had full accommodation so there was an ambulance on site but luckily no one was injured. We arranged at 2am to transfer the residents in a convoy to the Metropolitan in Padstow.

The pub owner said he hopes to start rebuilding as soon as possible

"The firefighters did a great job. I have lived here for 20 years and I know them all personally so it was emotional."

He added: "I had a look at the damage this morning, the seating and the dining areas are untouched. The public spaces haven’t been affected. The fire started in a back room and spread through the roof into the accommodation.

Pub manager, Henk Ferreira

"I want to get it up and open again. We will start rebuilding today if we have to.

"If locals are concerned, we have another site and on the other side of Padstow called Margos which serves the same steaks and potatoes."

Mr Slater added: "I am the fire investigator on this case. The fire started after midnight.

Mark Slater

"Someone driving past saw the smoke and knocked on the door to make sure people were aware. Wadebridge crews attended and then we had firefighters from across the county.

"Fire crews located the fire in a back access building. It was found that all people were present and there were no injuries.

"Crews left just after 5am. We have now moved on to the investigation stage. We have been looking for the cause in the outbuilding and believe the fire was started by a tumble dryer.

The back of the pub

"The pub is operating its contingency plans."

Mr Slater revealed that the tumble dyer was believed to be turned off when the fire started.

He added: "Sometimes if there are fats in in things like tea towels, when it’s turned off and not emptied it can cause a fire.

Halfway House Inn

"It is important that the dyer completes the cool-down phase and that products are taken out of the tumble dryer.

"It needs to be fully cooled. We would also suggest people make sure they are using the appropriate detergents at the right temperatures.

"Make sure there are no linens or textiles in the dryers and clean the filters daily."

Fire damage

A spokesman for Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said: "Critical control centre received a call stating that a residential property was on fire, crews from Wadebridge and St Columb community fire stations along with a whole time officer proceeded to the scene. On their arrival the message was received that the building was well alight.

"The water carrier from Wadebridge was mobilised at this point."

Halfway House Inn damage

Further crews from St Dennis, Launceston, Padstow, St Austell were mobilised and an additional whole time officer.

The spokesman added: "The crews on scene used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, covering jets, main jets, hydrants and small tools to extinguish the fire. Other agencies involved throughout the incident include police, ambulance, highways, Western Power, the Red Cross and emergency management."